For 6 months our elite scouts searched the globe for 15 brightest talents in the footballing world. After vast amounts of shortlists and games attended, the list was narrowed down to 50, and from there the grueling selection process began. A 2 week training camp was the order of the day, and led by Guardiola and the hand picked elite development coaches at the Academy, the list were put through their paces. Countless fitness, endurance and skills tests were undergone before finally, we found our 15. From our 15 we found the best of the best youngsters around the world, each with huge amounts of potential. 11 different nationalities, 4 English, 2 Scots and a motley crew of other youngsters far spanning the globe. The first year of the Adidas Academy looks promising, and with all the training they have received these graduates are ready to be unleashed on the world of football. Who will get the first big break? Will we see any Champions League winners, European Champions or even World Champions? Only time will tell.

Meet the Graduates - Part 1/3

Kirk Mackintosh – 11kgmForward – Australia - Introducing the first of our graduates, Kirk Mackintosh. A versatile forward able to player any position up front but definitely prefers to play in the central striking role. Kirk is very hard working and his work ethic towards has and always will be the fantastic. Hailing from the city of sale, a few hours east of Melbourne, Australia, he is a die-hard fan of both his beloved Manchester United and local team Melbourne Victory. A speeder striker, Kirk uses his pace to get past opponents and even round the keeper at any chance he can get, he is definitely one to watch as far as it comes to our graduates, the only question now is who will be willing to take on the youngster, and where will he flourish?

Sale, Australia

Simon Andersson – SiggeForward – Sweden - Another one of our speedy forwards that have came through the academy, Andersson hails from Helsingborg, and is one of the most determined graduates in the pack. A proud supporter of Landskrona BoIS, managed by former Barcelona and Celtic player, and Swedish legend, Henrik Larsson, Andersson also holds a soft spot for both Napoli, and Manchester United. With blistering pace, Andersson cuts and weaves through the opposition defence and with exemplary first touch and dribbling skills, along with a clinical finishing ability, he is lethal in front of goal. Andersson will be looking to beat his fellow graduates Kirk Mackintosh and James Nunn to the inaugural Adidas Academy Forward of the Season award, but will have to expect fierce competition.

Landskrona, Sweden

Vaclav Vasilevski – J_amesDefender – FYR Macedonia - With sensational marking ability, bucket-loads of strength and amazing courage, Vaclav is every team’s dream anchor man. With the ability to play in central defence, holding midfield or even just a central role Vaclav can both marshal his defence and act as a playmaker for the team, building from the ground up. Hailing from Bitola, a city in the south-western part of Macedonia, Vailevski also has Australian and Northern Irish heritage, but is declared to only play for the Macedonian national team if he receives a call-up. A supporter of Portsmouth and A-League side Perth Glory, Vasilevski is a keen admirer of Macedonian star Goran Pandev, and will be hoping to receive the honour of playing alongside his hero.

Bitola, FYR Macedonia

Schlinx Lincoln – NCFC2010Goalkeeper – Wales - One of the academies 2 goalkeepers to graduate this year, Schlinx, that’s right, Schlinx, has proved himself to be a formidable custodian for his team. With great command of his area, handling, and aerial ability, Schlinx will provide great competition for the title of Goalkeeper of the Season, but is known to be good friends with fellow graduate and his fellow keeper, Mark Neilson. Coming from Aberdare, in the south-west of Wales, Schlinx is a loyal supporter of not only his local team Merthyr Tydfil, but also Barnet and Norwich City, while of course holding local rivals Swansea in certainly not the highest regard. Lincoln has listed his goalkeeping heroes as Joe Hart and Idriss Carlos Kameni, and has been seen watching countless hours of match footage of the two.

Aberdare, Wales

James Nunn – justplayingitcoolForward – England - The last of our group of forwards, Nunn has shown the ability of a very technically gifted striker, and will certainly excite any England fans about the future. Hailing from Croydon, Nunn is a particularly enthusiastic Crystal Palace fan, and is able to come up big in those big matches, able to show off his finishing ability whenever he wants. Nunn has a bullet of a right-footed shot and has stated to his team mates that he is determined to prove that he can succeed in the world of football, something that the coaches at the academy have no doubts he will do. Nunn has shown that he has the ability to run all day, and this along with his determination and work rate, shows that he will do anything for his team.

Croydon, England

Ok guys this is part one of the introductions, obviously I am doing this in 3 parts of 5. I hope this is a good start and worth the wait! Really looking forward to developing this story!

P.S. Sorry for the extra delay only just realised that there was a certain post amount you had to get to to post links!